Adelaide’s Prohibition Liquor Co., one of Australia’s most celebrated craft gin distilleries, is calling on Aussies to help protect the future of local distilling through a first-of-its-kind equity crowdfunding campaign in South Australia. This initiative gives the company’s loyal customers bragging rights to their mates – not only as part-owners of an award-winning gin distillery, but helping preserve the flavour of Australian distilling against the growing dominance of foreign liquor giants.
Prohibition’s crowdfunding campaign comes as the distiller embarks on an ambitious expansion. Central to this vision is the revival of the iconic Seppeltsfield Distillery in the Barossa Valley. Built 147 years ago, the site has been dormant for 50 years. Prohibition plans to transform it into a world-class production facility, visitor centre, and symbol of Australian craftsmanship.
“This is the first time in history a South Australian brand has opened for investment via an Equity Capital Raise – it means our loyal customers and anyone who has ever wanted to invest in a distillery can come on board as a shareholder.” said founder Adam Carpenter.
Prohibition, renowned for its handcrafted spirits, is fighting to stay competitive amid relentless tax hikes that disproportionately impact independent distillers. Australia’s spirits excise tax – ranked the third highest globally – favours large international corporations with the financial power to absorb these costs, pushing smaller Australian producers to consider foreign ownership to survive. For Prohibition, foreign ownership is not an option; it wants to protect the independence that has resulted in its global recognition for quality gin distilling.
“Australian distillers are being squeezed out by an unfair tax system that gives offshore giants the upper hand,” said Founder Adam Carpenter. “We’ve proven ourselves on the world stage with over 200 international awards, but we need support to preserve the unique flavours we are renowned for, and we do that by staying Australian owned. We’ve seen it happen before; local brands being sold to foreign conglomerates. This impacts the decision-making that can affect how spirits are made and taste. We do not want that, and we know Prohibition’s customers do not want that.”
“This outdated tax system stifles local innovation and hurts regional economies,” said Paul McLeay, CEO of the Australian Distillers Association. “Small distilleries like Prohibition Liquor Co. create jobs, boost tourism, and highlight Australian spirits globally. Yet they’re burdened by taxes that are double those on beer and five times higher than wine. Reform is essential to sustain this homegrown industry.”
Funds raised will also expand Prohibition”s Gilbert Street Tasting Room, launch a gin bar at McLaren Vale’s Penny’s Hill Estate, and support international market growth France, Japan and the USA.
“Our campaign isn’t just about raising funds – it’s about rallying Australians to preserve our distilling heritage,” said Carpenter. “This is your chance to own a piece of an iconic brand and help shape the future of craft spirits in Australia.”
Article and Image supplied by Prohibition Liquor Co.
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